Hi! If you’re here because you ordered masks from me over the last few years, thank you so much!

It’s been a while since I’ve made any new masks because I wanted them to be good quality so they last, and they do! The ones I made for us here are still going strong. The nose wires and elastics wear out over time though, and will need to be replaced. 

I was powerfully tempted to offer replacing those parts, but that’s really not practical.
​So, the next best thing is to show you how I do it.
It’s quick, easy, and extends the life of your masks through this cold & flu+ season and beyond.

Materials & tools:
• seam ripper
• 6-inch pipe cleaner
• needle & thread
• 2-feet of ¼” wide elastic
• crochet hook, or safety pin

​Let’s start with the nose wire
The masks I was making and selling have a long, narrow pocket along the top edge that sits right over the bridge of the nose. Inside that pocket is the nose wire. 

​With a seam ripper, make a 1-inch opening in the pocket’s lower seam. The opening needs to be big enough for you to reach in, remove the old wire, and insert a new one.

​

Remove the old wire.

Replace with a 6-inch piece of pipe cleaner folded in half. 

​On to elastics
Cut the old elastics and remove. 

​Insert a crochet hook all the way through the end of your mask. 

Hold onto one end of the new elastic and pull until it’s threaded through. ​​

​Then knot the elastic to fit.

That’s all it takes to refresh your mask so it fits like new.

If you don’t have a crochet hook handy, attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and use it to feed the new elastic strap through the end of the mask.
 
I’m at home today replacing the worn out bits, and it occurred to me some of you might like to do that, too. It was so much fun fabric shopping for all the masks I made during the pandemic. It would be a shame to throw them away when they still have so much useful life in them.

I hope you all find this helpful! It’s novel sitting with a “pile of mending”. We don’t really do that anymore at a time when most everything is meant to disposable. I’m just stubborn, and don’t want you all to keep having to rebuy things. Especially if it’s something I’ve made.
 
Be well & take care of yourselves & each other ♥
Sincerely,
~Angel
 
P.S. If you need pipe cleaners or elastics, you’re welcome to shoot me a message through the contact form here. You can find mask supplies in small amounts online, but I do have some mask supplies left and can pass them along at minimal cost if there’s interest. Just let me know, and I’ll get back as soon as I can. Happy stitching!

These cute little coasters work up super fast, use a miniscule amount of yarn, and are so easy. Once you get the hang of these, they’re so simple you can totatlly veg out on that show you’ve been meaning to watch. After the first few, my fingers knew the way. I just had to sit still a minute.

If you’re not so into making them yourself, I have a few available in my Etsy shop here:
www.etsy.com/listing/1254862923/coaster-set-doily-drink-coaster-colorful?click_key=941d356d80f409feab1f24c9998c91fb0879debd%3A1254862923&click_sum=fd9f7932&ref=shop_home_active_1
 
On to the instructions!

Super easy crochet drink coaster               
Hook: 3mm        Yarn: Patons Hempster 3-light, or equivalent natural fiber

Approximately 4.5” x 4.5” (11.5 x 11.5 cm)

Key:
• ch = chain     • HDC = half double crochet    • ss = slip stitch     • beg = beginning   

Instructions: (US terms)           
• RD1:  Magic circle, ch 2, 12 HDC into the magic circle, pull circle closed, ss into first HDC to close round

• RD2:  Ch 5, [1 DC, ch 2] x 11. Ss into top ch 3 at the beg of the round

• RD3:  Ss into the next chain space, ch 3, 2 DC into that same chain space, ch 1,
​[3 DC- into the next chain space, ch 1] x 11.  Ss into top of ch 3 at beg.

• RD4: [Ch 5, skip 3 stitches, 1 SC into chain space] x 12.
*work SCs into the chain space between 3-DC clusters in rd3.

• RD5:  Ss into 5-chain space, ch 3, 5 DC into same chain space. [6 DC into each chain space] x 11. Cut yarn, invisible join to close the round.

And you’re done! These work up so fast and use such a small amount of yarn you can get a whole bunch from one skein of yarn. Great for using up left over yarn. Lovely for housewarming gifts. Perfect for adding delicate details and/or pops of color to home décor. And of course, they are meant to protect furniture from dings and moisture. Which is great as the weather warms up and our drinks will more often contain tasty, icy beverages.

Have fun! And if you make some, come find me on social media. I'm @angelhawari on quite a few platforms. Post pics and tag me. I'd love to see ♥

I hadn't made time to crochet in who knows how long. But once I picked it up again, holey moley! It's all I want to do some days. At first I dove into big blanket projects that took weeks to finish, and now that initial flaming hot passion has mellowed into a warm, consistent glow. Smaller projects are really nice, ya know?

These crochet cookies are quick & easy, don't use much yarn, make nice gifts, and help you find your keys should they get buried in a bag or something.

If you don't want to make one yourself, I have some already made!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Keychains available here:
www.etsy.com/AngelHawariArt/listing/1233320888/keychain-chocolate-chip-cookie-crochet?utm_source=Copy&utm_medium=ListingManager&utm_campaign=Share&utm_term=so.lmsm&share_time=1654984600160

The only stitches you need to know are single crochets and slip stitches so this is a good project for all skill levels.

It starts with a magic ring. So if you would like a demo, pop over to my Youtube channel here: youtu.be/r_hKv0iSm04
(the magic ring starts at minute 3:15 if you wanna fast forward right to it)

♥ On to the instructions ♥

“Chocolate Chip Cookie” crochet pattern 
Hook size: 5mm   
Yarn: 4 medium/worsted weight
Colors: tan & dark brown

Abbreviation Key:
​SC = single crochet
inc = increase, multiple stitches worked into the same stitch.
Otherwise, only one stitch worked into each stitch.
Stitches are worked into both the front & back loops of stitches.

Front piece: *Rounds 1-4 tan yarn

Round 1: Magic ring, 6SC into ring, pull ring closed, but do not tie off or slip stitch to the first SC.

Round 2: Work 2SC inc into each of the 6 stitches from round 1. You will have
12 stitches all the way around. 

Round 3: 2SC inc, 1SC, 2SC inc, 1SC…repeat this sequence until there are 18 stitches around.  *place a stitch marker in the first SC at the beginning of the round. 

Round 4: 2SC inc, 2SC, 2SC inc, 2SC…repeat until 24 stitches around. 
Cut yarn. Invisible join.

Hand embroider French knots onto the right side of the front piece to make the chocolate chips.

Back Piece: Repeat rounds 1-4 to make the back piece. 

Assembling your Cookie: Align front & back pieces, wrong sides together, and join with slip stitches all the way around. Cut yarn. Weave in ends. Done!

You can now add a hanging loop and/or key chain hardware for a cute accessory perfect for keeping or gifting.

I hope you have fun with these! I have around a dozen now.

Thank you all! And I hope you have a really nice, relaxing time making play food. Which I totally didn't get the point of, but now I do! It's just silly and fun. Happy Stitching! 

If there is anything I can help with, comment below or use the contact form and I'm happy to help. 

Dear Friends, 
A lot of us are stuck at home, and I thought it might be fun to share a free coloring sheet. Get your coloring sheet here:
drive.google.com/drive/folders/1Pek-vXQbXPj77fNVwpMM-SrEXVvITWNi?usp=sharing

We started a couple sheets before dinner tonight, and it's really kinda fun deciding what color unicorn this could be! Please download, print, and color your own. I would love to see! I'm on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest (and a few others I forget), but it'll give us a way to interact even though we're not getting out as much.

I hope you are all healthy, safe, feel supported, and are practicing social distancing. This is such a weird and nervous time for everyone. Please take care of yourself, eat well, get exercise, drink plenty of water, and try to stay connected with the people you love. We will get through this. It's hard to know just what to do or how to prepare for the days, weeks and potentially months ahead.

But! Everyday I am seeing you all reaching out to each other and being supportive in wonderful and sometimes unexpected ways. It is teaching me new ways to in turn be supportive for others. Humans are funny, social creatures that way <3

These are just for personal use & enjoyment so please don't use them for anything other than your own coloring enjoyment, but feel free to share a link to this page with anyone you think my enjoy a few moments of coloring. Thank you!

What is Ko-fi?
     Ko-fi is a way for art lovers to come together & support the creation of new art!
♥ Visit Angel's Ko-fi page here ♥
     
     It allows some content to be unlocked by either one-time or monthly donations, but there will be open content for everyone. I'll keep sharing to social media, too! So I don't  worry that everything will be swept behind a paywall. It won't! I'm finding some topics take more time to write about so I'm hoping this will be a good spot to do those more time intensive types of content. Thank you for understanding ♥

What you'll find on my Ko-fi page:
-Tutorials
-Sneak peeks of new art
-Upcoming projects 
-Insights into my studio practice
-Anything else I think you might find interesting!

     I talk to artists & art lovers about art related things all the time, so I think it would be nice to have a sheltered place to share that kind of information with fellow art lovers. Since this is a new endeavor, please let me know what topics you're interested in, and I'll see what I can dig up!

Right now I have a few different things going on at Ko-fi:
Xolo Puppy tutorial:
     I've started a walk through of the Xolo Puppy painting I did for the Pup-Up Art Show a few weeks ago. I often take progress photos as I'm working so I can document my process so that allows me to discuss my process in more detail and show you how my paintings come together from start to finish.

Goal - Super Fancy Art Cards:
     I have a goal set right now to help me cover the cost of an entire set of high quality, commercial greeting cards with my art on them! Supporters can get either a set, or two of their choosing, before they are available for sale. There is a supporter's only post with more information on that.
     I have to keep it sort of secret at the moment because I am still working on them. But as a supporter you can see things before I can tell everyone else! Which soothes my urge to spill all beans as soon as I know something exciting is coming up. Yay!

Sneak Peek - "Sproutling" Vintage Plaque Repaint:
     I am finishing up the first vintage plaque now, and hope to have several of them finished in time for the a show at Sunday B. Morning Gallery opening next month in August. Details for that show will appear on my events page here, and I'm sure I'll blab about it all over the place as soon as all the details are pinned down.

     The finished "Sproutling" will preview there as soon as it's finished, but you can see work-in-progress images there now! Each time I try repurposed art materials, it's something of an adventure. As soon as the first plaque is done, I can dive into creating a whole set!

Shout out: Thank you, Heather Renaux, for telling me about these pretty little antique pieces that lend themselves so perfectly to new art! She is the sweetest. 
You can see her enchanting work here! Heather Renaux Gallery

     I will keep sharing on social media as normal! I am so appreciative of the time you've all spent following me on other platforms. So don't worry that everything will be closed off. I fervently believe art is for everyone!
​   There are just some things I would like to share that I haven't been able to make time for with everything else on my plate. But I'm hoping this will provide support for the work I do as well as give me a focused way to practice talking more concisely about my art. Artists pour so much time & energy into refining their craft that being able to discuss it effectively often gets neglected. So! Practice makes perfect.

Thank you for your time & consideration!
Sincerely, 
~Angel

Adorably Awkward: A Monstrously Cute Art Show

Artist: Angel Hawari

Opening Night: Saturday, November 10, 2018 from 6-9pm

Show Duration: November 6th - 30th, 2018

Where: Cryptid Hair Parlour
2358 NE Stinson Parkway
Minneapolis, MN 55418
www.cryptidhair.com
​
Admission: FREE

Angel Hawari partners with the Cryptid Hair Parlour to exhibit a collection of paintings featuring a host of original characters set in intricate environments reminiscent of staged scenes. The combination of luminous glowing light and lush color palettes make them a feast for the eyes for pop surreal art lovers.

Join us for a leisurely stroll through the imaginary world of Angel Hawari. Meet her tardigrade-inspired bean bears, seedling creatures, candy corn people, unicorns, pink fuzzy creatures, and the artist herself. Light refreshments provided.

The Cryptid Hair Parlour: Where the imaginary is made real! Whether you need a cut, color, or your unicorn’s mane coiffed, they can take care of you. They excel at expert men’s cuts, specialty and fashion hair color, and shellac manicures.

Angel Hawari Art Etsy Sale
Friday, November 24th - Monday, November 27th get 20% off all orders $10 or more!

     I've been hard at work this year filling my shop with new prints and goodies. This weekend, November 24th-27th save 20% on everything on offer in my Etsy shop when you spend $10 or more.
Here's a handy link straight there: www.etsy.com/shop/AngelHawariArt

 From fluffy pink finger monkeys to deep sea femme fatales, you are sure to find fine art prints to delight your art-loving friends. Or treat yourself to a new piece for your own collection. All of my prints are professionally made with archival inks on fine art papers. Each one is color-matched so they are nearly indistinguishable from the original artwork. 

                 In gallery news, Gamut Gallery invited me back for Raging Art On 2017!
RAO is Gamut Gallery's annual Holiday event. It brings many talented local artists together to create a boutique-style art event to brighten your holiday shopping. 

OPENING NIGHT:
Thursday December 7th // 7-10pm
• Featuring  DJ Adatrak of Rhymesayers & Yo MnTV Raps
$10 or FREE w/membership
Presales available below
FREE OPEN HOURS:
Friday December 8th // 1-10PM
• featuring DJ Bleak Roses 6-10pm
Saturday December 9th // 1-10PM
• featuring DJ Keith Millions 6-10pm
Sunday December 10th // 1-5PM

​Raging Art On reflects Gamut Gallery’s ethos of community, collaboration, the art of the happening and eco-consciousness. Gifts for sale at this event are handmade locally and are in harmony with the values of those concerned by mainstream holiday effects on our environment and our world — landfills, factory and shipping-caused pollution, issues of outsourcing and fair trade, consumer culture, etc. Raging Art On offers a place to join like-minded people together through art, music, performance and conversation.